ravings from a woman one cat away from insanity

Tag Archives: Book

Oh man, I am SO upset about this book! After David Sedaris‘s last book I was really looking forward to this one. By that I mean, his last book sucked and left a comedy void in my soul. I had to read a lot of Dave Barry to fill that in. There were a few stories in this book that were hilarious. Like- you can’t read them in public because people will stare at you – hilarious. However the majority of these stories were frankly boring. It reminded me a bit of the show The Fabulous Beekman Boys. Parts of it are the funniest thing on TV and the other half is boring. Really, really boring. You absolutely MUST read “Dentists Without Borders” and “Understanding Understanding Owls.”

Usually I do a reading goal that’s a number of books per year. Turns out that means I never read books more than 400 pages. I switched it up this year to close that loophole on myself. I can’t believe I’m closing a loophole in my plan for myself. This is serious, guys. So my plan was to read one book in each of the following categories. Some of these I’ve already read, so I’ve marked them off. The other ones are up for suggestion! Comment with your recommendations. I really need them.

Great cover, terrible book. I really hated this one. If you want to learn etiquette, there are so many options now. Countless blogs and books. This should not be your guide. Period. It’s unrealistic and misinformed at best. Jordan suggests getting rid of TV because it doesn’t make you any smarter. That’s total b.s. and an easy excuse for mass stupidity. TV doesn’t make you anymore intelligent, but neither does reading unless your read or watch specific things. I’m learning the same things from Shahs of Sunset as I am from reading Pretty Little Liars. I agree with her on one major point; self-respect is crucial. Jordan’s idea of having self-respect is having no trust in yourself. I respect myself and my decisions. I’m going to wear what I feel comfortable in and if that happens to be the same thing Paris Hilton was wearing than oh well. I’m not basing my life off being the opposite of celebs. I’m going to base my life and behavior on what I think is right.

If someone wrote a book just for me, this would be it. It’s ridiculous and vaguely scientifically accurate. This book and the main character (a cat DUH) takes itself very seriously. Which is the best part! It’s about a cat psychiatrist who does cognitive therapy in conjunction with catnip therapy. This must hold the record of most cat puns in a single book. If you laughed when you saw the author’s name, this book is for you. If you’re a fan of psychology and or cats, do yourself a favor and read this book immediately.

It was sad. So sad. I really enjoyed reading about Amy’s life from her father’s perspective. The biggest problem is also this viewpoint’s biggest strength in that it’s written by her father. You get all the intimate details only a father would know and a glimpse into what was a very special relationship for Amy, but you also see Amy through the rose-tined glasses of her father. The major flaw in this book was addressed over and over again with a sense of self-awareness that I felt made it more believable.

The real tragedy is that we all know how this ends. No spoiler alerts needed here. Reading about Amy’s recovery and all the improvements she made in her life weren’t uplifting. Not at all because I knew how this book would end. The entire book read with a pall over it. When is it going to happen? I got WAY too emotionally invested in this book and looked up the paparazzi pictures and videos of performances that were referenced. It’s one thing to read about someone’s deadly addiction, but it’s another thing entirely to see it. It was crushing and sad, but also gave me an impression of Amy that I didn’t expect. I was not a huge fan before I read this, but I am now.